Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Utilities to apply for, accept, and enter into an Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) grant, and, upon award of the grant, enter into a grant agreement with the State of Ohio, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for conducting Level 3 Credible Data Training.
The Ohio Environmental Education Fund program is administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. This grant application is for conducting Level 3 Credible Data Training in both the Fish Index of BioIntegrity and the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index data collecting procedures. This training will allow the collection of credible data from our raw water sources that can be used by the city and other outside entities such as the OEPA. Additionally, it will assist in providing data relevant for response to regulatory processes when needed. This data will help protect our raw drinking water supply by having accurate, detailed information which will aid in making managerial decisions.
Currently staff at the Department of Public Utilities, Watershed Section routinely monitor the quality of a headwater stream, however because the department is not certified the OEPA is unable to use the data collection from the Department of Public Utilities. After receiving the Level 3 Credible Data Training and becoming certified, Watershed staff can collect data to determine the baseline water quality of a headwater stream prior to any development. This will assist the OEPA to ensure developers property address negative water quality impact.
The amount of the grant is $15,050.00. The grant match amount is $1,500.00 and will come from the Department of Public Utilities Water Operating Fund.
2. EMERGENCY:
The Department of Public Utilities is requesting City Council to deem this legislation an emergency measure to allow the Director to submit the application by the deadline and enter into the grant agreement as so...
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